It's time for a Halloween Romance!

New Book! 

When the Scottish came to America, they brought their Halloween traditions with them. Will Charlotte find her true love on Halloween? 

Synopsis

Holidays in Willow Valley is a Collection of Six Holiday Stories set in 1840: When Emmeline is invited to a Valentine’s Ball, she and Charlotte wonder if they will have an opportunity to meet the Valentine Bandit? When it’s St. Patrick’s Day, what three wishes will Josie make if she finds a leprechaun? Is it common to play jokes on one another on April Fools Day? Nicholas and Lucas find out firsthand and are surprised who the culprits are. On Independence Day, Angelica’s eyes are opened when she is challenged. She believes in independence for all people. When the Scottish came to America, they brought their Halloween traditions with them. Will Charlotte find her true love on Halloween? When it’s time for Christmas, Angelica learns what the gift of giving is all about. This book is full of surprises.

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Pastor MacFarlane held up his hand to quiet everyone down. “Thank you for attending All Hallows Eve. Today and tomorrow are the days when we remember and honor our loved ones who have passed on. It’s also a time to pray for the souls who have gone astray.” He motioned to the fire. “We gather together every year on October 31st and light a bonfire, in order to ward off bad luck and any evil spirits for the coming year. The following day, you are permitted to take buckets of ashes to spread over your gardens to ward off bad luck and to give your soil nourishment for the coming year. Please enjoy yourself this evening.” 

“Is somebody going to tell us ghost stories?” a young boy asked eagerly.

“Of course. It wouldn’t be All Hallows Eve without a scary story.” With a chuckle, Pastor MacFarlane added, “By the way, those who are dressed up as little devils, try not to make so much mischief this year.”

As everyone laughed, an elderly man pulled out his flute and began playing a jig. Young men and women quickly took a partner and joined in the revelry, dancing around the bonfire. When Charlotte saw some young boys huddled together, she knew they were thinking up some mischief to do. 

When she noticed Jacob watching her and giving her a charming smile, Charlotte was about to join him when Mr. Campbell stepped up to her and said, “To tell you the truth, I didn’t expect to see you dressed like this.” His eyes scanned her gown and he cleared his throat. “You have on a very interesting costume, Miss Charlotte. I’m not sure who you represent, but is it appropriate for a pastor’s daughter?”

Trying not to laugh at his pompous attitude, she replied, “Queen Esther was a saint who was beloved by all her people, because she saved them from certain death. You can learn about her in the Bible.”

He shrugged. “I’m not sure I’ve heard of her.”

“Please excuse me. I must help father greet our guests.”

With that said, she walked around the gentleman and headed for Jacob. 

“Welcome to our celebration, sir,” she said as she approached him. When she noticed he had on a cap with two homemade ears sewn on top, she held back her laughter and put her hand to her mouth to hide the humor. “Wow! I like your costume.”

Before he could answer, she walked around him to inspect his outfit. Lo and behold, he had a braided rope tied to his backside for a tail, and it was sewn to his trousers.

Laughter bubbled out as she said, “Uhm, what are you supposed to be?”

Jacob turned around to face her and he was grinning. “Guess.”

“A cuddly kitten?”

“No, you’re not even close.” He groaned and shook his head. “Cuddly kitten?” 

Charlotte laughed when he pulled a face.

“Guess again.”

“Are you a sly fox?”

Jacob chuckled. “Sly, perhaps. But no. I’ll give you a hint. After I made the ears, my cap kept falling off so I had to cut the ears shorter.”

“So… your ears are supposed to be longer?” Charlotte’s eyes brightened. “I’ve got it. You’re a stubborn ole mule.”

He broke into laughter. “No, no. I’m a horse.” He swept his tail into his hand and turned his backside to her. “Isn’t this a tail of a horse?”

When she looked closer, Charlotte realized that his tail was not made of rope but actual horsehair that had been braided. With laughter, she said, “Very nice, indeed.”

“The hair is from my horse’s mane,” he said proudly. “I braided it myself.”

“You’d better not get your backside too close to the fire with that tail,” she warned.

Jacob laughed. “You’re right.”

“That reminds me. We have a tradition for All Hallows Eve. If you drop a piece of your own hair into the bonfire, the identity of your future wife or husband will be revealed to you through your dreams that night.”

Jacob’s eyes brightened. “Then by all means, let’s do it.” 

He quickly grabbed a knife from the table and cut a few strands of his hair. Then he very carefully cut a piece from Charlotte’s and gave it to her. After putting the knife back, he hurried to her.

With a grin, Jacob said, “Are you ready?”

When she nodded, they both tossed their strands of hair onto the embers where they sizzled and disappeared.

Leaning toward her, he whispered, “Tell me who you dream about. All right?” He winked at her. “And it had better be me.”

She laughed. His flirtations were such fun.

Pointing to the brightly glowing turnips on the table, Jacob cocked his head curiously. “I like those. Very creative.”

“It’s part of our tradition. We carve them out and put a little candle inside. If they’re too small, we’ll just carve a face into them.”

“Wow! I like it. I wonder what it would look like with something larger… such as a pumpkin?”

Charlotte raised her brow and gave a nod. “We’ll have to try it sometime.”

When she saw her father watching them, she noticed a very curious and sober expression on his face. When he motioned her toward him, she said, “Oh, oh. I’m being summoned. I’ll be back, my brave steed.”

He chuckled. “Oh yes, a steed. I like that. It’s much better than a stubborn mule or a cuddly kitten.”

Charlotte laughed as she sauntered toward her father.

Bio

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised in the Rocky Mountains of Southern Idaho and now lives among the red desert hills of southern Utah. She is the author of Historical Romance, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Suspense, Swashbuckling Romances, Children’s Books, and non-fiction. Linda is a service missionary at the FamilySearch Center in St. George, Utah where she helps people find their ancestors. She believes it is important to learn about your heritage.